Granite vs Quartz vs Marble

Which is the option for you?

We already know a little bit about granite countertops; they’re durable and virtually timeless, they are formed by pressure and heat (and thus can withstand heat in the kitchen), and they’re relatively low maintenance. But, there are other options in the kitchen such as quartz and marble, which are also worth taking a look at.

Quartz is a crystallized stone that most people are familiar with seeing in white or clear variations, although it does come in others. It is also an extremely hard and durable surface, and is typically stain and scratch resistant and doesn’t need much maintenance (a granite countertop might need a new polish every now and again.) While natural quartz countertops are available, the majority of the inventory available is engineered quartz (which simply means that it is mixed with a vary small amount of polymer resins, typically). Quartz can allow color choices that aren’t available in other natural stone variations, which opens up a lot of options for some people.

Marble is another natural option for countertops and is similar in lots of ways because it is durable, timeless, and easy to clean. It typically forms from limestone rock which, like granite, has been exposed to high pressure and heat. The big difference with marble is that it is more porous and thus can scratch (especially by acid based items) and be stained a little bit more easily. But, despite its luxury look and reputation, it can still be cheaper than quartz and, sometimes, even granite.